Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill lowering the maximum income level for eligibility under the PeachCare for Kids Program, providing vision and dental coverage, and making other changes.

Highlights:

-Guarantees minors in families with income under 125% of the federal poverty level are eligible for assistance under the state plan for medical assistance (Sec. 1). -Establishes a premium for PeachCare at 1.5% of the participant family’s income (Sec. 2). -Allows children in families that currently qualify for PeachCare but do not under this bill may remain enrolled, subject to the requirements that were in place prior to this bill (Sec. 2). -Provides vision and basic dental coverage under PeachCare, and also requires that comprehensive dental coverage be available for an additional premium not to exceed $15 per participant per month (Sec. 2). -Requires the development of a policy for increased use of generic drugs (Sec. 2). -Changes the maximum income level for qualification for PeachCare from up to 235% of the federal poverty level to 125-200% of the federal poverty level (Sec. 2). -Authorizes a copayment of $25 per nonemergency room visit (Sec. 2). -Creates the PeachCare Extended Program to provide health care benefits for children in families with income between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level at a cost of 5% of the family’s income (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text